The FBI has initiated a criminal investigation following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.
The investigation, which was first made public by the Washington Post, reportedly focuses on a 985-foot container ship known as the Dali.
Federal agents are scrutinizing potential violations of maritime law, particularly any awareness the ship’s crew might have had regarding technical or operational issues before departing the Port of Baltimore.
The investigation is delving into the events that led to the ship losing power and subsequently colliding with a support pillar of the bridge, as detailed by two U.S. officials to the Washington Post.
The FBI released a statement to Fox News Digital confirming their involvement: “The FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity.”
They added, “There is no other public information available, and we will have no further comment.”
Erek L. Barron, the U.S. Attorney for Maryland, commented to the Post, stating, “My office generally will not confirm the existence of or otherwise comment about investigations. However, the public should know, whether it’s gun violence, civil rights abuse, financial fraud, or any other threat to public safety or property, we will seek accountability for anyone who may be responsible.”
This federal criminal probe is independent of the ongoing investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, which aims to determine the cause of the bridge collapse and assess safety protocols.
Following the bridge collapse on March 26, which resulted in the deaths of six construction crew members and left two survivors, President Biden and Maryland Governor Wes Moore assured that those responsible would be held accountable. The White House has dismissed any suggestions of intentional wrongdoing or terrorism in relation to the incident.
